Op. MD. Gonul Cimen

During a humanitarian mission in Syria, I sustained pelvic shrapnel injuries that caused chronic pain and fertility concerns. Dr. Cimen partnered with a conflict medicine specialist to address both the physical damage and psychological trauma, using 3D-printed models of my pelvis to plan reconstruction. Her holistic approach treated me as a whole person, not just a set of injuries.

As a 42-year-old archaeologist working on a remote dig in Anatolia, I developed severe endometriosis symptoms that threatened my fieldwork. Dr. Cimen coordinated a complex laparoscopic surgery around my brief return to Istanbul, explaining the procedure using geological metaphors I understood perfectly. Her post-op care included a tailored recovery plan I could follow at the dig site with limited medical access. Six months later, I'm pain-free and just completed a full excavation season.

My 17-year-old daughter, a competitive rhythmic gymnast, was diagnosed with a complex ovarian cyst during European championship preparations. Dr. Cimen performed a minimally invasive surgery preserving all ovarian tissue, then collaborated with her sports physician on a phased return-to-sport protocol. What impressed us most was how she spoke directly to my daughter about anatomy and recovery, empowering her with knowledge rather than just addressing us parents.

After five miscarriages across three countries, my wife and I (a same-sex couple using donor sperm) came to Dr. Cimen as our last hope. She discovered and corrected a previously undiagnosed uterine septum through hysteroscopic surgery, then provided emotional support through our subsequent IVF cycle. Our twins just turned one, and Dr. Cimen attended their birthday via video call from her conference in Berlin.

My 33-year-old wife, a wheelchair user with spinal cord injury, needed specialized gynecological care that considered her neurogenic bladder and bowel. Dr. Cimen modified examination techniques, adapted surgical positioning, and collaborated with her urologist to create an integrated care plan that addressed her unique anatomy without compromising her independence.